Car Of The Day: December 5, 2010

Today's car of the day is Tomica's 1970 Toyota Hilux.

The Toyota Hilux is a series of compact pickup trucks produced and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. Most countries used the Hilux name for the entire life of the series but in North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck. In North America the popular option package, the SR5 (Sport Rally 5-Speed), also became synonymous with the truck, even though the option package was also used on other Toyota models as well. In 1984, the Trekker, the camper version of the Hilux, was renamed as the 4Runner in Australia and North America, and as the Hilux Surf in Japan. In 1995, Toyota introduced a new pickup model, the Tacoma in the United States, discontinuing the Hilux/Pickup there. The 4Runner is now a full SUV, and the more recent models do not resemble the Tacoma.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Toyota Hilux

Here's a Japanese postal truck from Tomica.  This model features an opening rear door and is a good example of what we've all come to expect from Tomica.

The Hilux started production in March 1968 as the RN10 in short wheelbase form with a 1.5 L engine. This was upgraded to a 1.6 L I4 engine in February 1971.

In April 1969, a long wheelbase version was added to the range. The short wheelbase version also continued in production for many more years. The long wheelbase version was not sold on the North American market until 1972.

In spite of the name "Hilux", it was a highly-luxurious vehicle only when compared to the Stout. Hilux was engineered and assembled by Hino Motors to augment the Hino Briska, Briska and Stout or to replace them in some markets. For the North American market, the only body style was a regular cab short bed and all were rear-wheel drive. It used a typical truck setup of A-arms and coil springs in front and a live axle with leaf springs in back. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard.

The Hilux has a reputation for indestructability.  From being the favored vehicle in inhospitable regions to surviving the worst the "Top Gear" team could throw at it, the Hilux did a lot to cement the reputation for quality Toyota spent decades building up.